Lara Dutta says Akshay Kumar never took advantage of Priyanka Chopra and her: 'He saw two young girls with stars in their eyes..' Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, both of whom rose to prominence after winning international beauty pageants in 2000, began their Bollywood careers together in the film Andaaz, starring Akshay Kumar. The movie marked the debut of both actresses, with Priyanka’s earlier film The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy (with Sunny Deol) serving as her first major project. In a recent interview, Lara Dutta reflected on their early days in the industry and credited Akshay Kumar for being a supportive figure. She described him as a “friend, philosopher, guide” and emphasized the protective environment he provided during their formative years. Speaking to atncanada’s YouTube channel, Lara recounted how Akshay Kumar helped both her and Priyanka navigate the challenges of their careers. She stated, “Both Priyanka and I were coming in right at the same time. He saw two young girls coming in with stars in their eyes and zero guidance and direction. And he never took advantage of that.” Lara highlighted Akshay’s role as a mentor, noting his deep understanding of the industry and his ability to provide direction. She added, “Today, I think he is such an incredibly street-smart person. He knows the business like the back of his hand, he knows what works. So, in that sense, I had a really strong springboard to take off from.” The film Andaaz was produced by Suneel Darshan, who later hinted at a reported romantic relationship between Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra following the movie’s release. At the time, Akshay was married to Twinkle Khanna, and Darshan claimed that this situation caused complications on another project.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #andaaz #suneel_darshan
Lara Dutta says Andaaz co-star Akshay Kumar protected her and Priyanka Chopra during early Bollywood struggles: 'He never took advantage' Lara Dutta has shared insights into her early days in Bollywood, highlighting how she and Priyanka Chopra navigated the industry’s challenges during their debut in the 2000 film Andaaz. The actress credited Akshay Kumar for his unwavering support, emphasizing that he created a safe environment for them as newcomers with no guidance. She described his role as a mentor and protector, noting that he never exploited their inexperience. Dutta revealed that she and Priyanka entered the film industry simultaneously, both still learning the ropes of Bollywood. Their debut in Andaaz marked a significant milestone, as they transitioned from international beauty pageants to mainstream cinema. The film, which stars Kumar as the lead, became a turning point for the duo, establishing them as rising stars in Hindi cinema. Reflecting on the experience, Dutta expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start her career with Andaaz, calling it a "huge blessing." During a recent interview on the atncanada YouTube channel, she detailed how Kumar’s presence provided a sense of security. She described him as a "reliable source of assistance," someone who ensured they felt protected and respected. Dutta described Kumar as her "friend, philosopher, and guide," suggesting their relationship extended beyond that of co-stars. She recalled how Kumar recognized their vulnerability as newcomers, noting that both she and Priyanka arrived in the industry with "stars in their eyes" but little direction. She emphasized that Kumar never took advantage of their lack of experience, instead offering guidance that helped them navigate the complexities of the business.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #andaaz #atncanada
Lara Dutta Credits Akshay Kumar For Protecting Priyanka Chopra And Her On Andaaz Set: 'Saw Two Young Girls, Never Took Advantage' Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, who debuted together in the 2003 film Andaaz, have reflected on the supportive environment they experienced on set, crediting Akshay Kumar for his protective role during their early careers. In a conversation with atncanada’s YouTube channel, Dutta highlighted how Kumar, whom she describes as a “friend, philosopher, guide in the business,” ensured both actresses felt safe and guided. She emphasized that Kumar’s vigilance created a space where they could focus on their craft without exploitation. Dutta recalled that Kumar, who portrayed the character Raj in Andaaz, recognized the vulnerability of two young actresses entering the industry with “stars in their eyes and zero guidance.” She noted that Kumar never took advantage of their inexperience, a quality she now sees as a testament to his street-smart understanding of the film business. “He knows the business like the back of his hand,” she said, adding that this knowledge provided her a strong foundation to launch her career. The film, directed by Raj Kanwar, marked a significant milestone in 2024 as it celebrated its 20th anniversary. Dutta shared a nostalgic post on social media, expressing gratitude to the audience, producers, and cast members. She praised Suneel Darshan for offering her the role, Raj Kanwar for his patience as a mentor, and Kumar for his unwavering support. “Akshay Kumar for just being who he is,” she wrote, underscoring the lasting bond between the trio. Priyanka Chopra, who played Jiya in Andaaz, has remained a close ally to Dutta, with the latter describing their relationship as one of mutual support.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #rj_kanwar #atncanada
Lara Dutta Says Akshay Kumar Never Exploited Her or Priyanka Chopra in Early Days Lara Dutta, a veteran Bollywood actress, recently shared her memories of working with Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra during the early stages of their careers. In an interview with YouTube channel ATN Canada, Dutta recalled how Akshay Kumar treated both her and Priyanka, emphasizing that he never took advantage of their presence in the industry. She described him as a supportive figure who provided guidance without exploiting their positions. Dutta highlighted that she and Priyanka began their Bollywood journeys around the same time, collaborating on the 2003 film Andaz. The movie featured Lara as Kajol, Priyanka as Zia, and Akshay as Raj. She recounted how Akshay, despite being a leading actor, treated them with respect and offered mentorship. “He didn’t take advantage of either of us,” she said, adding that he recognized their lack of experience and helped them navigate the industry. Dutta praised Akshay’s understanding of the film business, calling him a “street-smart person” who knew how to balance acting and entrepreneurship. She noted that his approach to work was professional, and he never used his influence to gain personal benefits. “He was a great guide for both of us,” she said, reflecting on the positive impact he had on their careers. The film Andaz marked a significant milestone for all three actors. Priyanka, who had recently entered Bollywood, and Lara, who was already established, found common ground in the project. Akshay, who was already a rising star, used the opportunity to further solidify his reputation as a versatile performer. The film’s release in 2003 was well-received, though it did not achieve the commercial success of some of Akshay’s later projects.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #andaz #ishq_e_nadaan
Lara Dutta Reveals Akshay Kumar Never Exploited Priyanka Chopra in Early Days Lara Dutta, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra’s collaboration in the 2003 film Andaz remains a defining moment in Bollywood history. The romantic drama, directed by Raj Kumar, showcased the trio’s chemistry, with Akshay playing the role of Raj, a character that resonated deeply with audiences. The film’s success highlighted the trio’s unique dynamic, blending romance and drama in a way that captivated viewers. However, Lara recently opened up about the early days of their careers, shedding light on Akshay Kumar’s supportive nature during their formative years in the industry. In an interview with the YouTube channel ATN Canada, Lara shared her reflections on the trio’s journey. She described Akshay Kumar as a “philosopher” and “guide,” emphasizing how he never exploited their positions or took advantage of their shared opportunities. Lara and Priyanka, both newcomers to the industry at the time, faced the challenges of navigating a competitive space without established networks. “We were both new to the industry, and Akshay was a constant source of support,” Lara said. She highlighted how Akshay’s protective nature ensured neither of them felt pressured to compromise their integrity or take shortcuts. Lara recounted how the trio’s collaboration in Andaz was a turning point for all three. “Akshay was the kind of person who understood the importance of mutual respect and collaboration,” she explained. She noted that while their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their off-screen relationship was built on trust and shared goals. This ethos extended beyond the film, as they continued to work together in projects like Hamaraj, further solidifying their bond. The interview also touched on the broader context of their careers.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #atn_canada #andaz
Lara Dutta recalls her experience working with Akshay Kumar on his cult film Andaaz, released in 2003, during an interview that highlighted the supportive environment the actor created for the young actresses. The film, directed by Raj Kumar, marked the debut of both Lara and Priyanka Chopra, who had previously won the Miss India title in 2000. Lara described Akshay Kumar as a protective figure who guided them through the challenges of the film industry, ensuring they felt safe and supported. The film, which starred Lara as Kajal, Priyanka as Jia, and Akshay as Raj, became a landmark in Bollywood for its portrayal of two young women navigating the complexities of love and ambition. Lara emphasized that Akshay’s approach was instrumental in helping them transition from pageant winners to successful actors. “He always made sure we felt secure and never exploited,” she said, noting that the actor’s mentorship helped them avoid the pitfalls of the industry. Lara also reflected on the unique dynamic between her and Priyanka, who had entered the film industry around the same time. She described how Akshay’s guidance helped both women establish their careers, despite the lack of experience they had when the film was shot. “He saw us as two young girls entering a world that wasn’t always kind,” she explained. “He gave us direction and made sure we didn’t lose our way.” The film’s release in 2003 was a significant milestone for both actresses, with Lara winning the Best Female Debut award at the Filmfare Awards. However, the movie’s legacy extended beyond its initial success, as it became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of female agency and resilience. Lara noted that the film’s 20th anniversary in 2023 reignited discussions about its impact on the industry.#priyanka_chopra #akshay_kumar #lara_dutta #andaaz #filmfare_awards
Aneet Padda’s sister Reet criticizes Dhurandhar as a government-backed propaganda film and condemns Priyanka Chopra for remaining silent during an Oscars speech where her co-host supported Palestine Reet Padda, the sister of Aneet Padda, has publicly labeled the film Dhurandhar as a tool of political propaganda, accusing it of using manipulated narratives to justify government policies. In a social media post, she argued that the film serves as a "government-friendly narrative" by leveraging political speeches to rationalize events like demonetization. She called the film’s approach "propaganda" and dismissed attempts to downplay its agenda, stating, "Deny it? Not a chance." Reet expanded on her critique by comparing Dhurandhar to other films like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, which she claims distort facts to create misleading narratives. She highlighted how these films exaggerate statistics, such as the number of women converted to Islam in Kashmir, to fuel anti-communal sentiments. "Take a sliver of truth, sprinkle in some absurdly inflated numbers, and suddenly you’ve got a full-blown narrative against a community," she wrote, emphasizing the manipulation of facts for political gain. The activist also criticized the lack of freedom for films that challenge the ruling party’s narrative. She pointed out that while films like Panjab 95 address political issues, they are often blocked from release if they deviate from the government’s script. "Sure, I’d be chill with such films… if it weren’t for the teeny issue that movies like Panjab 95, which actually tackle political issues but stray from the ruling party’s script, can’t see the light of day," she stated. Reet turned her attention to Priyanka Chopra, accusing her of failing to take a stand during the 2026 Oscars ceremony.#priyanka_chopra #javier_bardem #dhurandhar #reet_padda #aneet_padda
SS Rajamouli brings cutting-edge motion capture to Mahesh Babu's 'Varanasi'; An action sequence shot with advanced tech Director SS Rajamouli is incorporating cutting-edge motion capture technology into his upcoming film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The project, being developed at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, features a significant 25-minute action sequence filmed using this advanced method. This innovation marks a major leap in visual effects production within Indian cinema, showcasing Rajamouli’s commitment to technical excellence. The film’s production team has utilized the A&M Motion Capture Lab at Annapurna Studios, a facility developed in collaboration with Mihira Visual Labs and global partner Animatrik. This state-of-the-art setup offers 360-degree pre-visualization, real-time virtual production, and digital performance capture. The team emphasized the challenges of importing cameras, installing equipment, and training local staff within a tight timeline, highlighting the effort required to establish this high-end system for the project. A key highlight of Varanasi is the 25-minute action sequence, which was created using motion capture technology. By recording actors’ performances in a controlled environment, the team achieved greater precision and detail in recreating complex scenes. One team member noted that the sequence is “a thrilling scene,” blending real action with digital effects to produce large-scale visuals. Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran are reportedly part of this sequence, adding to its excitement. Rajamouli’s use of this technology represents a significant milestone for Indian cinema. Previously, filmmakers relied on foreign studios for such work, but Varanasi demonstrates that advanced production can now be achieved domestically.#priyanka_chopra #ss_rajamouli #mahesh_babu #annapurna_studios #a_m_motion_capture_lab
SS Rajamouli Creates Miniature Varanasi City for New Film The makers of S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi have unveiled a series of images showcasing the intricate miniature recreation of the city, which serves as the film’s primary setting. The project, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, features detailed replicas of Varanasi’s iconic ghats, temples, and bustling lanes, capturing the city’s cultural and spiritual essence. The visuals, shared on social media, highlight the effort to authentically represent the historic city, with one image showing a cameraman filming the set’s miniature temples and streets. Directed by Rajamouli, the film is set to premiere on April 7, 2027. The teaser was first unveiled at a grand event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, on November 15 last year, where the title was officially announced. Originally titled Globe Trotter, the film’s name was changed to reflect its focus on the city of Varanasi. The story follows Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, described as a globetrotter and timetrotter, and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character, Kumbh, as the film explores themes of time and geography. The production began in April 2025, with the film spanning multiple locations, including Kenya, Andhra Pradesh’s Borra Caves, and Antarctica. This ambitious project marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after a hiatus since The Sky is Pink (2019) adds significance to the film, which also reunites her with actor Farhan Akhtar. The miniature set’s creation underscores the film’s commitment to visual storytelling, blending historical authenticity with cinematic innovation.#priyanka_chopra #prithviraj_sukumaran #ss_rajamouli #varanasi #mahesh_babu
Two Women Snowboard Down Gulmarg’s Snow-Covered Slopes In Sarees, Internet Says ‘Yash Raj Films Take Notes’ Mumbai-based snowboarder Urmila Pable has sparked widespread admiration after sharing a video of herself and fellow rider Linda gliding down Gulmarg’s snowy slopes while dressed in traditional sarees. The clip, which blends traditional attire with high-energy snowboarding, has been hailed as a bold fusion of culture and sport, drawing comparisons to cinematic action sequences. The duo’s daring performance, captured in a viral post, has captivated audiences with its blend of style and athleticism. In the video, Urmila and Linda navigate the snow-covered mountain terrain with confidence, their flowing sarees contrasting strikingly with the crisp winter landscape. The scene has been described as both visually striking and thrilling, with viewers praising the pair’s skill and the seamless integration of traditional clothing into a modern sport. The caption accompanying the post reads, “Saree not sorry. Snowboarding edition,” a playful nod to the cultural significance of the attire. The video quickly gained traction online, amassing over four million views and sparking a wave of enthusiastic comments. Fans praised the women’s courage, with many calling them “superwomen” and expressing admiration for their fearless approach to the sport. Some viewers drew parallels to Bollywood, with one remarking, “Yash Raj Films should take notes,” while others highlighted the empowering message of the clip, stating, “Woman can do anything.” The post also drew attention to the harmony between tradition and adventure, with comments like, “Skiing and sareeing can go hand in hand.” This isn’t the first time Urmila Pable has made headlines.#urmila_pable #linda #gulmarg #yash_raj_films #priyanka_chopra
